I had heard about mooting at university but I did not take up the opportunity to join any societies holding events. When I started at Kaplan Law School, we were given various advocacy sessions during our compulsory modules. I liked advocacy and decided to enhance my skills by entering the mooting competition.

I was successful in previous mooting rounds and reached the finals. My pre-moot nerves returned when I was made aware the finals would be heard by Judge Roger Chapelle a senior judge of the Inner London Crown Court.

Teamwork was imperative and all legal issues were discussed with my moot partner. We researched the moot point and anticipated the arguments of our opponents. We prepared our skeleton argument and wrote our respective submissions.

Initially, I was extremely nervous and I paused for approximately one minute which seemed like an eternity before addressing the judge. This suddenly disappears when presenting your submissions.

Mooting has increased my confidence in public speaking and courtroom etiquette. Mooting involves utilising research skills which are essential in all areas of the law. It has heightened my knowledge of compulsory areas of the law such as contract and criminal law which had been long forgotten since doing my law degree.

Most importantly, I have learnt the fundamental skill of being a lawyer - how to apply the law to the facts of the case and configure the strengths and weaknesses in my case.

Although it sounds like a lot of work, the whole mooting experience has been exciting. I will miss the adrenaline rush!

Martina Brown – Winner of the Mooting Competition 2009